Clarinet 1C
Time: 16:00 - 17:30
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
- Course Code: ME107C
- Dates: 22/04/24 - 08/07/24
- Time: 16:00 - 17:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: George Sleightholme
Course Code: ME107C
Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course develops your playing technique on the clarinet, working on articulation, breathing, dynamics and expression markings, fingering for the main notes, and how to read and play pitch and rhythm.
We will also do simple improvisation and ensemble playing.
What will we cover?
- clarinet technique
- music reading
- pulse and rhythm
- ensemble playing
- wide range of repertoire from classical to jazz
- simple improvisation.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- improve your tone on your clarinet
- improve your control of breathing and articulation
- play a wider range of notes you can play on the clarinet
- Read and play basic music notation
- play simple tunes and ensemble music
- know some basic principles of improvisation.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for those who have been learning the clarinet for at least two terms. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a practical class, where you will learn through tutor demonstration and explanation, playing with the group and individually, and through discussion.
You will be expected to practise outside class time, ideally at least 15 minutes per day.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own Bb clarinet, reeds, and a pencil. The tutor will provide some musical material.
Required text: Abracadabra Clarinet (3rd ed.) by Jonathan Rutland (£9.99, incl CD). This will also be used in Clarinet 2.
Easy Jazzy Duets Clarinet [external website]
If there are specific pieces you would like to learn, please feel free to suggest them to the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may also be interested in Musicianship and Music Theory to support your practical learning.
George is a freelance clarinet and bass clarinet player and teacher. Having graduated with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music (MA, 2010), George regularly plays in Brandenburg Sinfonia in London with players from the top London orchestras. He is a member of Kidenza Orchestra, performing classical orchestral music to thousands of young audience members every year. George has given many premieres, including pieces for the LSO's Soundhub scheme and in various national festivals. He has recorded widely, including at Abbey Road Studios. George has released two albums with his group iyatraQuartet, to critical acclaim. They were awarded the Kennedy Award 2019 by violinist Nigel Kennedy. George has led music workshops for Music for Autism, Aldeburgh Participate! and Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, and performed several operas for Royal Opera House Education and Outreach. He also conducts Surbiton Royal British Legion Marching Band and Palace Band in Alexandra Palace and at Benslow Music.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
